UCF running back Mark-Antony Richards was paramount to the comeback win against ECU, but the former Auburn transfer may have put forth his best performance this past weekend at SMU. Richards rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns, including one score that went for 58 yards. He went over the century mark with just eight carries, an average of 13.0 yards per rush.
With Isaiah Bowser still a little banged up, it's possible Richards could see extended time this Saturday against UConn. During this week's press conference, the Wellington, Fla., native talked about his recent performance, why he came to UCF and more.
I know you had the game-winning touchdown and played well against ECU, but do you think maybe this SMU game was your breakout performance here at UCF?
"I think so. Going into the game, I was prepared. I think it showed. Just the preparation through the whole week with Coach (Tim) Harris. He challenges us to step up as a group. I think we did that."
What do you think you provide to the running back room?
"Versatility. I feel like I can catch the ball, run the ball and can block. I think that's what I provide. I've think I showed flashes of that in the SMU game. Just going forward, trying to capitalize and keep fighting."
Is the UConn game one that running backs are licking their chops?
"We're always looking to make a huge impact. It's the same mindset. Make a huge impact and I know we'll be prepared."
What's this season been like for you? You transferred in from Auburn and were familiar with Gus already. Has it been a process getting acclimated?
"I was kind of already acclimated to college. Especially being under Coach Malzahn, I knew how everything worked. Being around these guys is refreshing. It's definitely inspiring being around some new faces. I already knew some of the guys from back home from 7-on-7 and stuff. Getting in here and working with these guys in the summer, it was inspiring and encouraging. It's a blessing to be here."
What is it like working under coach Tim Harris?
"It's like a family. He's very inspirational. He knows how to get the best out of his guys. Obviously for me, it's learning from him. He's doing a heck of a job with us. We all look up to him. We're blessed to have him here."
What was the 58-yard run you had against SMU? What play was that?
"It was a counter play. I think the most important thing about that play was patience. Having the patience to read the gaps and try to move the backers. I was able to do that. I saw a crease and I just hit it."
What do you think of Johnny Richardson's style of running and what is it like working with him?
"We call him Johnny Rocket for a reason. He's very explosive. He can score from anywhere on the field. I feel like in this running back room we all bring something to the table. He's so explosive. Watching him, learning from him, whether it's mastering the dead leg or whether it's utilizing the whole field. Learning from him as a player is definitely helpful."
You said you knew some guys from back home, some buddies on the team. Who were you familiar with already?
"Amari Johnson. Newt. Tatum Bethune. Jeremiah. So many guys. Those are just some of the few names I was already familiar with when I got here. It was already like a family for me."
When you see one teammate after another go down with an injury, what is that like?
"It's definitely heartbreaking for sure. For us, you see a guy go down so you've got to step up. If they can't go anymore, we've got to step up. That's the mindset. I feel that's the culture that's built here. Seeing guys like Bryson (Armstrong) go down, that was definitely heartbreaking. For me and this team, we're going to do it for him. These next few games that's the mindset."
Gus was on that elevated platform. He wasn't happy with the setup. He felt disconnected. He wants to be on the field, but he felt not on the field at the same time. Was that weird? What was like as a player?
"It was a bit odd. As we're walking up and down the sideline, you look for him and see what he's saying and talk to him. We're used to having our coach walking up to different position groups and communicating. That's what you're used to. I'm sure going forward they'll figure out a different strategy."
Gus said Dillon Gabriel returned to practice on Sunday night. Was that a boost? How did he look and what was he doing?
"He looks good. He's back out there. Just doing the things he does. Just seeing him in this process, through the injury, how hard he fought to come back. That was very encouraging to see. He's a leader. We all know that. Having him back is very inspirational."
I know it's going back to last spring, but making the decision to leave Auburn and come to UCF, what was that decision like? Knowing Gus came to UCF and being a Florida guy, was that an easier decision?
"I guess you could say it was an easier decision. I was familiar with some of the guys on the team already. It was awesome. I'm blessed to be here. Coach (Malzahn) is here. It seems like the perfect fit for me. I think at the time that's what it felt like for me. I don't regret it one bit."
Gus has mentioned the leadership of the captains. How important have they been?
"Very important. When you have injuries left and right, having the leadership that we have, they're keeping everybody on a straight path. Nobody is losing focus whatsoever. Everybody is dialed in. That's a credit to our leadership. Guys like Sam Jackson, Brandon Johnson, DG, Big Kat. That's a credit to those guys. They've kept us locked in and setting the example. They've done a great job all season. We're going to finish strong."
Obviously you're a talented runner, but pass protection in the college game, is that maybe a little slower to pick up? Do you have to do a lot of work or film study to master that skill?
"It's just like you would imagine. Extra film. Working to try to perfect your craft. It's something I've tried to develop from the time I got to college to now. It's something I've got to continue to improve on. I believe in my coach. Coach Tim Harris. He's helping me get better at it. As a running back unit, that's something we work on."
What does it mean to have these final two home games? I know you want to get that taste out of your mouth from last week and end the season on a successful note.
"It's a blessing to be back home and perform in front of our fans. I truly believe this is one of the most exciting atmosphere in all of college football. Having the opportunity to come back these last two games and perform in front of them, we have to finish strong. There's no ifs, ands or buts, we're going to finish strong."
Are you surprised how together the team is?
"Not surprised. A lot of us are all from similar areas. We're all from Florida, South Florida. I know when I first got here, I think that's one of the first things I said to Coach (Malzahn), how humble all these guys are. How together they are. It's no surprise to me. Just seeing how they fought and work so hard during the summer. You can see why. For me, that was definitely a comfort coming into a family atmosphere. It's a blessing to be here with these guys for sure."
